Horasdia Saragih
This study evaluated the chemical profile, hydrodynamic diameter, polydispersity index, electrophoretic mobility, and zeta potential of cardamom extract dispersions. Concentrates were obtained by ethanol extraction of dried cardamom, analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, and dispersed at masses of 6, 8, 10, and 12 mg using a liquid–gas flow system. Particle characteristics were determined using a particle size and zeta analyzer. The analysis revealed 14 peaks and 12 identified compounds, with 1,8-cineole, α-terpineol, 3-pentanol (diethyl carbinol), and piperine as the major components. Hydrodynamic diameter increased from 12.0 to 19.2 nm, while polydispersity index increased from 0.084 to 0.492, indicating greater size heterogeneity. Zeta potential ranged from 0.0 to −0.8 mV, indicating weak electrostatic stabilization. Tween 80 likely promoted initial dispersion through steric hindrance and surface hydration rather than strong charge repulsion. These findings do not indicate morphology, encapsulation, temporal stability, or bioavailability. These findings provide a physicochemical basis for developing aqueous cardamom extract dispersions while avoiding overinterpretation of near-neutral zeta potential as evidence of long-term colloidal stability.